Adhesive Type |
Description |
Usage |
PVA - Polyvinyl Acetate (also known as craft or wood glue)
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White glue that is clear drying
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Suited to the direct method of mosaics as tiles can be coated with glue prior to placement
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Non-load bearing, can be used on mosaics that either lie flat or have little weight bearing.
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Not waterproof making it not suitable to exterior applications
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Diluted it can be used as a sealant in a ratio of 50:50 to water
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EVA - Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
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Water resistant version of PVA
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Liquid Nails
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Construction Adhesive
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- Manufactured by Selleys brand and available in a range of different adhesive for specific applications
- Available in cartridge gun form but some products are available in smaller squeeze packets.
- Clear Liquid nails is a handy adhesive in mosaics. Not only is it clear drying, but it is a tacky adhesive which holds heavier tiles in place while drying. It can be used to compensate for variations in thicknesses. Place a dollop onto a disposable sheet and use a tool to apply the adhesive to the mosaic. Do not use Clear Liquid Nails on mirror as it may lead to the mirror de-silvering
- Platinum Liquid Nails is an extremely strong adhesive but extremely difficult to work with. Do not let the adhesive come into contact with your skin and use only in well-ventilated areas. Not for the faint hearted!
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Selleys Kwi Grip Advanced
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Selleys Kwik Grip Advanced is a non-toxic, low fume, low odour, water-based flexible contact adhesive. Suitable for bonding absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces and ideal for bonding flat, close fitting surfaces. Forms a durable heat and water-resistant bond, being water based it is non-toxic and easy to clean up.
Use to bond: Polystyrene foam (will not degrade the foam) and metals.
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Epoxy Resin |
Two part adhesive |
- Suitable for internal and external mosaic work
- Comes in two parts, a hardener & resin that are mixed together just before use.
- Extremely strong adhesive
- Produces a lot of fumes and must be used in a well-ventilated space.
- Great for outdoor applications which are constantly wet (e.g. birdbaths)
- Can hold heavy tesserae pieces (e.g. Stones, Shells)
- It is the only adhesive that will permanently stick tesserae to metal
- Can be tricky to work with, as they are extremely sticky, can be quite runny and usually set fairly fast. Not for beginners to mosaics.
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Weldbond |
Similar to PVA glues |
- Recommended by a number of mosaicists for internal mosaics
- Can be used on cement, concrete, bricks, plaster, metal, glass, wood and tiles
- Stronger than the average white craft glue
- Water soluble, no fumes, non-toxic and easy to clean up
- Dries clear making it suitable to use on glass on glass applications
- Not waterproof making it not suitable for exterior applications
- Suited to Direct Method of mosaics as tiles can be coated with glue prior to placement
- Diluted it can be used as a sealant, mix 4 or 5 parts to one with water for sealing wood and terra-cotta projects
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Cement Based Adhesives (polymer modified cement glue) |
Thin-set is a cement based adhesive |
- Recommended for exterior mosaics
- Suited for the indirect method of mosaics for making an adhesive bedding. Work best for outdoor work, floor and heavy traffic areas.
- Best adhesive to use if using the direct method and uneven tesserae.
- Can be applied like icing. Place in a plastic bag and cut a corner (just like an icing bag)
- Can be made waterproof by mixing with an acrylic additive. Great for stepping-stones, birdbaths, terracotta and an exterior mosaics.
- The bond to both the tesserae and the backer material is improved by adding a commercial tile bonding agent and priming the backer material with the same products, before applying the paste.
- Available from tiling specialists
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Mastic |
Pre-mixed adhesive that is either latex or petrochemical base |
- A very sticky, paste-like adhesive
- It has great slip resistance and works well for vertical surfaces.
- Applied with a craft stick or palette knife
- Not recommended for use on floors, under pressure it can become brittle and break down
- Not recommended for exterior applications or in areas where it will be exposed to moisture
- Not as strong as cement based adhesives
- Used to attach tile to drywall
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Clear Silicone |
Silicone |
- Dries clear so great for glass on glass projects
- Waterproof and flexible
- Suitable for use on mirror tiles as it won't de-silver the back
- Make sure the back of the tile is coated completely so that grout cannot seep under the edges and spoil the effect
- A tacky adhesive which allows heavier pieces to stay in place while drying
- Strong smelling, use in a well ventilated room
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